Restrictions on gatherings to be eased from 13 January
Capacity limits will be 20 people, health and fitness centres will be allowed to reopen but under strict conditions, as will the ski resorts. Children's and adults' sports activities will be permitted subject to conditions, as will sporting competitions without spectators.
COVID-19: Gathering restrictions eased from 13 January
See the announcement on the website of the Cabinet Office from 8 January 2021
The Chief Medical Officer is proposing these relaxations as the spread of COVID-19 has been successfully contained in the country. He points out that the pandemic is experiencing a major resurgence in many parts of the world, partly due to a new variant of the virus which has, to date, not managed to spread in Iceland. The Chief Medical Officer therefore makes his recommendations on the understanding that the course of the pandemic does not take a turn for the worse.
The main changes are as follows:
- General mass restrictions will be 20 people.
- Shops: The rules will remain unchanged from the current ones.
- Health and fitness centres: Operations will be permitted under strict conditions. The number of guests may be a maximum of half the number specified in the operating licence, or half the capacity of the changing facilities if no guest number is stated in the licence. Organised group sessions are permitted only, with a maximum of 20 people per group and attendees registered for each session. Changing rooms must be closed. Children born in 2005 and later are not included in the guest count. The Chief Medical Officer will issue detailed guidance on infection control for health and fitness centres.
- Sports training: Children's and adults' sports training will be permitted, both contact and non-contact, indoors and outdoors. There must be no more than 50 people in a space.
- Sports competitions: Sports competitions for children and adults will be permitted, but without spectators.
- Ski area: Ski areas will be permitted to open with restrictions in accordance with rule 4 of the published regulations for the country's ski areas. On ski lifts, it must be ensured that those travelling alone do not have to share a lift chair with others; a two-metre distance must be maintained, and the same rules on the use of face coverings apply as elsewhere.
- Performing arts, film screenings and other cultural events: Up to 50 people may be on stage for rehearsals and performances. Face masks should be worn as much as possible and the two-metre distancing rule observed where feasible. Seated audience in the hall may be up to 100 adults and 100 children born in 2005 or later. Guests must sit in pre-booked seats and adults must wear a face covering.